Following the refusal of the president of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Isaiah Benjamin adhere the call for a physical NEC meeting as demanded by the majority of NEC members, the NEC after its exhaustive deliberations has suspended him and reverted all his anti-association’s actions to status quo.
The meeting which was called owing to critical issues concerning the Association was said to have satisfied Article 15(c) of the SWAN Statute which mandated NEC members to call for meetings whenever the need arises.
According to the Communique which was signed by the three-man Communique Drafting Committee and made available to this site, the Deputy President, Otuekong Bonny Nyong presided over the three days meeting which was held in Uyo the capital of Akwa Ibom state.
Subsequent to the allegations of serious infractions on the Statute against the SWAN’s President, the NEC suspended him and appointed a three-man committee headed by Nura Garba as Chairman, Olatutu Oladunni as Secretary and Foster Chime as member to investigate him.
The NEC mandated the Investigative Committee to conclude its assignment within 90 days and submit its report to the National Secretariat for further actions.
The Deputy President, Otuekong Bonny Nyong was asked to take over as President, pending the outcome of the investigative committee.
The NEC also frowned at the suspension of the North West Vice President, Mr. Muhammad Mansour Ibrahim, for not following the due process in line with Article 21(1)(C) and therefore declared the suspension null and void.
The NEC also faulted the appointment of Alhaji Lurwanu Idris Malikawa as National Ex-Officio by Isaiah Benjamin and resolved that it contravenes Article 13(d)(1) and therefore, declared it null and void.
The NEC then called on all the Vice Presidents of the zones to ensure that members in their zones revalidate their membership with the Association on or before the end of March 2024.
The NEC also resolves to support the 2024 revalidation of five (5) members per chapter and endorses the commencement of the payment of monies generated from the annual registration/SWAN card exercise.
The NEC urges all state chapters to direct all communications to the National Secretariat through their zonal Vice Presidents and also urges the Vice Presidents to ensure that elections are conducted in line with SWAN Statutes.
The meeting also agreed that there was no election in Ogun State and then directed the South West Vice President to immediately remedy the situation.
The meeting undertakes to sponsor five (5) members to the Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Ivory Coast, and approves the activation of the SWAN Foundation for the welfare of members.
The meeting then commended and appreciated the Akwa Ibom State Government for providing the platform for the meeting and its numerous efforts in promoting sports development, particularly the hosting of Super Eagles matches.
Similarly, the NEC also commended the Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh for the pragmatic steps taken so far to enhance comprehensive sports development in Nigeria.
Lastly, the meeting observed a minute of silence for their departed colleagues, Mr. Sammy Barida from Bayelsa State, Mr. Ignatius Ajuonuma from Lagos State and Ms Villian Murray from Adamawa State. They prayed to God for the repose of their souls and granted the families the fortitude to bear the losses.
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this is the page to be. well done sir